Trading Places

Mark Langill

5 years ago

March 1, 1959 – Shortstop Maury Wills begins spring training with the Detroit Tigers after a conditional trade by Los Angeles in which Detroit would pick up the eight-year minor leaguer’s contract if he made the Tigers. Detroit eventually chose to keep infielder Rocky Bridges instead of Wills, who was returned to the Dodger organization. Promoted from Triple-A Spokane in June after Don Zimmer suffered a broken toe, Wills batted .260 in 83 games and helped L.A. win the 1959 World Series.